Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition leader Sussan Ley have invoked the Bondi Beach terror attack in their New Year's addresses, urging Australians to move forward with courage and optimism in 2026.
Fifteen people were killed when father and son Sajid, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24, allegedly opened fire into a crowd at a Jewish Hanukkah festival on the iconic Sydney beach on 14 December.
Albanese announced an independent review, led by former Australian Security Intelligence Organisation chief Dennis Richardson, into federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies following the attack. He has resisted calls for a royal commission despite criticism from victims' families.
In his address, Albanese said the response to the attack gave him optimism for the year ahead, as Australians rise to meet challenges by working together. He said Australia could take pride in being enriched by the world's oldest continuous culture and people of all backgrounds.
Ley encouraged people to reflect on a difficult 2025, saying it ended with a tragedy that reminded how precious life is. She said the values that bind Australians together—respect, fairness and care for others—will guide the nation as it rebuilds confidence.
